The Machinists Union Calls on Biden Administration to Approve New United Route to Cape Town, South Africa
iMail
23 May 2022
United Airlines is asking the Biden Administration to approve a new route from Washington, Dulles International, to Cape Town South Africa.
International President Robert Martinez, Jr. sent a letter to United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to champion United Airlines’ application for international flights to Cape Town, South Africa, from Dulles International near Washington D.C.
“United’s proposal for consistent and reliable flights between the two destinations will greatly benefit the Washington, DC metro region and beyond,” stated Martinez. “In addition, this approval would strengthen the work our members do at Dulles and elsewhere.”
The proposed tri-weekly 14.5-hour flights will provide the vital union jobs the Biden administration has promised to protect. In addition, many hard-working IAM members will service this route which aims to tie government, business, and cultural ties that current competing airlines cannot match.
“Being United Airlines’ longest direct flight destination is historic,” said Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richard Johnsen. “The IAM will continue to advocate for this approval from the Department of Transportation, which supports solid union jobs for our members.”
Learn More: Why Must a U.S. Airline require approval from the DOT for International Flights?
Related News
United Airlines to Require Employee Vaccinations (Survey)
[supsystic-social-sharing id='3']Reversing his earlier promise not to be the first to issue vaccine mandates, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby announced that all US-based employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 by this fall. This move by United was poorly...
The American Labor Movement Loses an Icon
[supsystic-social-sharing id='3']Richard Trumka, President of the AFL-CIO, has died at the age of 72. His cause of death has yet to be announced. This post has been updated to include a reaction from IAMAW International President, Robert Martinez. Reaction from labor...
IAM Reopens Winpisinger Education and Technology Center to In-Person Classes
[supsystic-social-sharing id='3']With COVID-19 protocols in place, the IAM reopened its classrooms this week at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, MD, to participants resuming in-person programs for the first time since March...